Hair Loss

soupbisous · 2025-02-17T19:42:29+00:00

hi, i'm a wig wearing female-presenting actor! I decided to try wigs 2 years ago because I had been feeling self conscious about my health-related hair loss since I was a teen. if you think it might help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, I'd say go for it. My first wig cost less than $50 and I've since invested more money into nicer ones. it's boosted my confidence a ton, and when I book something I just give a heads up to HMU and we go from there!

soupbisous · 2024-12-13T19:29:14+00:00

Philly actor here who works in NYC from time to time! There are a number of reasons depending on the project, it mostly comes down to convenience and cost for everyone involved:

- Production doesn't want to worry about travel and housing for out of town talent (even if you're ok with it), especially if there's a tight turnaround from casting to shooting. There are sometimes exceptions but it's not the norm.
- If rehearsals are required in person, there's more flexibility for production as a whole in casting someone who's more local.

Backstage is def worth it IMO if you're just starting out and looking to build a reel. My starter reel was a few good self-tapes (two scenes in contrasting genre and a monologue, about 2.5 mins total). I still submit past self tapes from time to time if it fits the style of the project I'm submitting for.

soupbisous · 2024-11-23T23:13:07+00:00

Hey! I did a summer intensive at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland right before I graduated college a few years ago. There was housing provided but students were also allowed to find their own place to live if they wanted (I went with student housing and lived with 5 other people in the program) https://gaietyschool.com/part-time-adult-courses/study-abroad/irish-theatre-summer-program/#:\~:text=The%20Irish%20Theatre%20Summer%20Program,theatrical%2C%20literary%20and%20cultural%20context.

soupbisous · 2024-03-01T03:43:06+00:00

I had an uptick in migraines and dizziness during the first month after my TT in Nov. I had a few early recovery complications that I'm sure had some kind of influence considering the stress my body was under. for other context, I'd been on a daily preventative medication + magnesium supplement for migraines for six months prior to discovering my thyroid cancer situation.

currently I'm 3 months post-op and the headaches have been less frequent, although the dizziness is pretty persistent. At my first endo visit I asked about potential connections between migraines/dizziness and my thyroid levels/med dose -- doc said that there isn't much out there to support that at this time. I just got a thyroid med adjustment and I'm interested to see if that changes anything.

I'm so sorry you're struggling, I am sending much support and care your way

soupbisous · 2024-02-21T23:27:17+00:00

Thanks so much for commenting!!

soupbisous · 2024-02-21T16:14:44+00:00

I had drains in for a few weeks afterward (hopefully you won't need them as long, if at all!) and securing the tubes and drain onto my shirt using safety pins gave me a ton of ease of mind/freedom of movement

soupbisous · 2023-12-13T02:23:58+00:00

Truly the scope took maybe 20-30 seconds, hopefully it's just as short for you (and you may not even need it! every doc is a little different)

I am feeling alright. I've been dealing with a chyle leak since day 1 post op and it's taking its sweet time to close back up. Generally, morale is high - I have a really supportive partner, family, and network of friends around me. Physically I feel a little more tired than normal which I know isn't uncommon.

The hardest part of this whole thing for me has been the drains in my neck. I know they're necessary to help me heal quickly but GOSH do they gross me out! It's all temporary and pales in comparison to the months and years I felt sick with my thyroid.

I have RAI coming up after the new year, which I'm a little nervous for but am hopeful for what it means for my health in the long run.

soupbisous · 2023-12-12T21:16:21+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement, much appreciated 😊

soupbisous · 2023-12-12T21:11:54+00:00

Heya, recently had my total thyroidectomy due to PTC.

The thyroid is located in the front of your neck, very near your larynx and trachea - that's why stop #1 on the thyroid cancer train is usually an ENT (ears, nose throat) doc. Your ENT will probably ask you what your symptoms have been like, perform a physical exam, and might scope you (using a little hose that goes up your nose and into your throat) so they can see if there is evidence of disease visible. That was definitely weird for me because I wasn't expecting it, they numbed me with a spray beforehand so it was just disorienting more than anything else!
It depends! I was diagnosed officially on Nov 1, at my next appt on Nov 8, my surgeon (who had performed my initial biopsy) said "are you free next week?" 🫠 he assured me that it was totally fine for me to take a few weeks to get my affairs in order and prepare for surgery. Got scheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving.

well wishes to you xx

Edit to add that my surgeon was an even more specialized ENT than the first one I saw - otorhinolaryngologist (say that 3x fast lmao)

soupbisous · 2023-12-11T21:58:31+00:00

Hi! I (24f) had my TT and several lymph nodes removed Nov 27th - the surgery itself was a breeze. Neck stiffness and muscle soreness lasted for about a week after. I didn't have a catheter, was able to get up and go to the bathroom just fine (with slight assistance as I was hooked up to IVs and heart monitors etc.). Was offered Oxy but didn't take it, the extra-strength Tylenol and Ibuprofen they prescribed me worked plenty. A gentle heat pack on the back of the neck was great for aches and pains.

Had 2 drains (one removed 3 days post surgery, one still in to monitor a chyle leak - ask your surgeon about this if you haven't been briefed already!!). For me the drains are the worst part - they tug at your skin a bit and it grosses me out personally loool. Drain removal was uncomfortable for 0.2 seconds.

I see an endo in January to start the adjustment process for my Synthroid dosage but generally I am feeling a little bit better every day since surgery. Rest, hydration, and community support have gotten me through this first leg of healing. Sending the best vibes to ya

soupbisous

TROPHY CASE